Editorial Note

Our correspondent’s view, though a com mon one, is myopic. The British Colonial Service must be carried on. The best of the available young men are encouraged to enter this service, and make it their life work. They sacrifice any chance of a quick fortune in trade and commerce, and give their talents unreservedly to the ser vice. If they did not do so, there would be no Colonial Empire to provide a liveli hood for “Trader” and other peevish critics.

They go where they are sent: and no one envies those who are sent to the Solomons, where life is dull and health conditions very unattractive. Who can blame them if they fight for the full retention of their privileges, and look forward eagerly to long leave?

Considering all the circumstances, the public servant is entitled to the very best conditions he can get. The independent planter and trader naturally dislikes the man in the sheltered job. But the planter or trader is a free agent, who goes where he likes and when he likes, and always has a chance of big profits, and retirement.

The public servant is chained to his desk and to routine; he often has to endure, as a boss, people whom the planter or trader “would not stand for five minutes”; he has no chance of making more than his fixed salary; and he cannot retire until all the best years of his life have been given ta the service.